On November 8, 2009, the Qvinum wine Club held a tasting of Pinot Noirs, all but 1 over $30. A $17 wine was slipped in as a test.
Wines in the tasting were:
Bethel Heights – Eola Amity Hills – Willamette Oregon 2006 $30
Domaine Drouhin – Willamette Valley, Oregon, $45 2006
Cardwell Hill Cellars – Willamette Valley, Oregon $17 2007
Expression 44 – Willamette Valley, Oregon $35 2006
Artesa - Carneros, California $35 2006
Fess Parker – Santa Rita Hills, California $35 2006
Selby – Russian River, California $30 2006
Argyle Nuthouse Reserve, Willamette Oregon $55 2005
Pessagno – Santa Lucia Highlands, California $40 2007
The top 3 wines were the Selby and Fess Parker, tied for 1st place. The Cardwell Hill Cellars came next at either 2nd or 3rd place (depending how you look at it) Cardwell Hill Cellars was the $17 bottle.
My take on the top three were: Fess Parker, Cardwell Hill, and Domaine Drouhin. My tasting notes for these three;
Fess Parker – Santa Rita Hills, California 2006. $35
Dark rich color, with a rich plush nose of smoke, cherry, red fruit and Chinese five spice powder, that follows through on the palate. A sweet lingering fruit finish.
Cardwell Hill Cellars – Willamette Valley, Oregon 2007. $17. Light garnet color with a sweet/sour cherry nose with gamy luncheon meat that follows on the palate. Nice acidity to back up the fruit, but not overly fruity or tannic. An easy drinking Pinot.
Domaine Drouhin – Willamette Valley, Oregon 2006. $45. Medium garnet color, nose a little closed but features nice cherry, cola and earth. Palate has a nice bit of minerality and smooth. Very reminiscent of a Burgundy from Marsannay or Givry. Very
good food Pinot.
The others fell into place in this order;
After the Cardwell Hill Cellars were: Agyle, Domaine Drouhin, Artesa, Pessagno. The Bethel Heights and Expression 44 rounded out the bottom, with zero votes each, however, don’t take the results of the two bottom wines too seriously
The two bottom wines, Bethel Heights and Expression 44, were very disappointing, however, after open about an hour, and after the conclusion of voting, opened up. Even though these wines ranked last with no votes, they should in no way, be over looked. If they showed during voting, as they did later, these could have very well been the top wines of the night. These two wines should be sought out, but make sure you let them breathe. Several months back, I had the Expression 44 side by side with a 2002 Louis Latour Volnay, and it held it’s own in that company. It was disappointing to see the Expression 44 bringing up the rear, but once it opens up, it's 0 to 60.
My notes for the remaining wines are in order, top to bottom, but I have not assigned any points or scores to them.
Selby – Russian River, California $30 2006
Medium light color. Nice sweet cherry and strawberry, spice, Chinese 5 spice, a touch hot, and could use a little acidity to back up the lovely sweet fruit.
Argyle Nuthouse Reserve, Willamette Oregon $55 2005
Medium color. Smoky sweet cherry, light earthy smokiness, spicy, fairly well balanced. Nice.
Artesa - Carneros, California $35 2006
Light garnet, smoky cherry. A little oaky, with plush fruit. Hints at a warmer climate, RR? Barnyard. Light on the palate, but just lacking.
Pessagno – Santa Lucia Highlands, California $40 2007
Medium light color, cola, tobacco, earthy mushroom, cherry, blackberry, hot with alcohol and a bit acidic.
Expression 44 – Willamette Valley, Oregon $35 2006
Dark color, nose closed with notes of earth and stewed fruit, seems a bit candied. Sweet fruit on the palate carries through to the short finish. I really loved this wine when it really opened up!
Bethel Heights – Eola Amity Hills – Willamette Oregon 2006 $30
Light garnet, closed nose, following on the palette with sweet fruit, a hint of minerality, a little hot. Could be elegant and sexy.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Three Sauvignon Blancs From Three Countries
It's been a little while since I have written anything. My apologies, it is not for lack of something to write, but just have not sat down to do it.
I have recently tried 3 different sauvignon blancs, all of which come from different countries. They are a little more expensive than my normal purchases, but sometimes "you gotta do what you gotta do."
Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $16.70, 90 points Wine Spectator. This SB, from Marlborough New Zealand, is a nice lighter style of NZ SB. It is not heavy on the 'tomato vine' that is typically Marlborough. Light, citrus with a sweet grapefruit edge. Juicy on the finish. A great wine for end of summer drinking on the patio, or, this would be nice with a nice poached halibut. Even try a selection of fruits and cheeses, however, nothing to strong.
Snowden Sauvignon Blanc 2007, $18.00, 90 points Wine Spectator. Snowden is a small producer in Rutherford California, only 600 cases of this wine were made. The winemaker is Diane Snowden, enologist for Domaine Dujac (Burgundy, France), and superstar consultant, Dave Ramey. Prior to making wines themselves, the Snowdens were selling their grapes to Warren Winiarski at Stags Leap. A little in the style of a Loire Valley SB, this wine does have some steely, flinty components, yet with a little more fruit than a Loire Valley wine, honeyed citrus with a great texture. It does have a nice crisp finish.
Domaine Laporte, Domaine du Rochoy Sancerre 2007, $28.75, 90 points Wine Spectator. Domaine Laporte is one of the quintessential producers in Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. Started in 1850, Domaine dy Rochoy is a single 25 acre slope, in the past it was a Roman-Gallo quarry called 'Rochetum'. This wine just hit me as a classic Sancerre. The nose was a little closed, but did offer some citrus/grapefruit, and a minerality, stony aroma. On the palate, it seems rather austere, as I always think of Sancerres as being, but the grapefruit is prevalent on the palate along with some herbs like chive or thyme. Most of all, it is stony, flinty minerally, and finishes long. This really is a treat to drink.
Although, a little more expensive, these wines are worth searching out. Give them a try!
"Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of good wine."
St. Thomas Aquinas
I have recently tried 3 different sauvignon blancs, all of which come from different countries. They are a little more expensive than my normal purchases, but sometimes "you gotta do what you gotta do."
Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $16.70, 90 points Wine Spectator. This SB, from Marlborough New Zealand, is a nice lighter style of NZ SB. It is not heavy on the 'tomato vine' that is typically Marlborough. Light, citrus with a sweet grapefruit edge. Juicy on the finish. A great wine for end of summer drinking on the patio, or, this would be nice with a nice poached halibut. Even try a selection of fruits and cheeses, however, nothing to strong.
Snowden Sauvignon Blanc 2007, $18.00, 90 points Wine Spectator. Snowden is a small producer in Rutherford California, only 600 cases of this wine were made. The winemaker is Diane Snowden, enologist for Domaine Dujac (Burgundy, France), and superstar consultant, Dave Ramey. Prior to making wines themselves, the Snowdens were selling their grapes to Warren Winiarski at Stags Leap. A little in the style of a Loire Valley SB, this wine does have some steely, flinty components, yet with a little more fruit than a Loire Valley wine, honeyed citrus with a great texture. It does have a nice crisp finish.
Domaine Laporte, Domaine du Rochoy Sancerre 2007, $28.75, 90 points Wine Spectator. Domaine Laporte is one of the quintessential producers in Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. Started in 1850, Domaine dy Rochoy is a single 25 acre slope, in the past it was a Roman-Gallo quarry called 'Rochetum'. This wine just hit me as a classic Sancerre. The nose was a little closed, but did offer some citrus/grapefruit, and a minerality, stony aroma. On the palate, it seems rather austere, as I always think of Sancerres as being, but the grapefruit is prevalent on the palate along with some herbs like chive or thyme. Most of all, it is stony, flinty minerally, and finishes long. This really is a treat to drink.
Although, a little more expensive, these wines are worth searching out. Give them a try!
"Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of good wine."
St. Thomas Aquinas
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Savory Palate at the Art Institute
Ok, today, I think I had the best lunch value in the state! And for one time, and one time only, well, correction . . . . I have agreed with him on several occasions, but not many. I have to whole heartedly agree with the esteemed restaurant critic of the Salt Lake Valley's premier weekly paper.
The Savory Palate, at the Art Institute, is the working restaurant for the culinary program at the institue. Open only for lunch Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11:00-1:00. and for $12.95 per meal, you get a three course lunch. I have been wanting to try lunch there since I read the esteemed critic's review, in said weekly. Having eaten at the Culinary Institute of America restaruant in San Francisco, (and loved it) I was eager. And not disappointed.
My dinning guest was Terrell. Walking up the stairs to the restaurant, you look in the glass wall, and it could be a bistro or high end restaurant, black tables and chairs with red seats, tables set with white chargers, black tableclothes, red napkin.
Once seated, our server, also one of the chef students at the school, was Heather, and perfectly charming. Presented the menus, we had the choice of starters - Cream of Garlic Soup, Scallop and Tomato Salad (over Watercress) with lime-mint dressing, or Chevre and Pistachio in Filo Packets. Terrell had the scallop salad and I had the soup. The soup was a potato and garlic soup. Salad spectacular, I was told the dressing with the tomatos was an incredible match. The soup was very good, but not anything special. Don't take this as a negative, it was, very good, but not 'spectatular', potato and garlic soup is plain, it's just in it's nature, but it was . . . . yummy!
Entree selections were Raspberry Chicken, it looked great, or Duck Breast, with Monterrey Jack and Green Chile Polenta. We both chose the duck, which had a port/red wine reduction sauce, that had the slightest hint of cherry. This was probably the best duck I have had in . . . . I can't say how long. We had questioned the paring of the duck with the polents, but it really worked well. The duck was served with finely sliced fennel, deep fried crisp, and on top of everything. What a great and unexpected flavor, very delicate.
Dessert was a selection of . . . . well . . . I can' remember all of the selections, they were not printed on the menu, but recited by the server, multiple selections, but Terrell chose the Lemon Curd with a small meringue on top, toasted with a torch, served with a shortbread cookie. Very good, very tart, real lemon. I chose the chocolate strawberry mousse cake, which had no cake. Dense, rich, and excellent, but again, like the soup, not anything special, but excellent. These are things that are common dishes in restaurants, but executed to the peak of perfection.
When the bill was presented, we were also brought a small bite of lemon chocolate ganache. Lemon and chocolat are a different combination, I think it worked, but not quite sure.
The Savory Palate is something to make the time for, we were in and out in 45 minutes, and not rushed at all.
So to my esteemed critic . . . Thank you for this one!!!
Call for reservations: 801.601.4769
121 Election Road
Draper, Utah
“In our opinon, food should be sniffed lustily at table, both as a matter of precaution and as a matter of enjoyment, the sniffing of it to be regarded in the same light as the tasting of it.”E.B. White (1899-1985) American essayist
The Savory Palate, at the Art Institute, is the working restaurant for the culinary program at the institue. Open only for lunch Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11:00-1:00. and for $12.95 per meal, you get a three course lunch. I have been wanting to try lunch there since I read the esteemed critic's review, in said weekly. Having eaten at the Culinary Institute of America restaruant in San Francisco, (and loved it) I was eager. And not disappointed.
My dinning guest was Terrell. Walking up the stairs to the restaurant, you look in the glass wall, and it could be a bistro or high end restaurant, black tables and chairs with red seats, tables set with white chargers, black tableclothes, red napkin.
Once seated, our server, also one of the chef students at the school, was Heather, and perfectly charming. Presented the menus, we had the choice of starters - Cream of Garlic Soup, Scallop and Tomato Salad (over Watercress) with lime-mint dressing, or Chevre and Pistachio in Filo Packets. Terrell had the scallop salad and I had the soup. The soup was a potato and garlic soup. Salad spectacular, I was told the dressing with the tomatos was an incredible match. The soup was very good, but not anything special. Don't take this as a negative, it was, very good, but not 'spectatular', potato and garlic soup is plain, it's just in it's nature, but it was . . . . yummy!
Entree selections were Raspberry Chicken, it looked great, or Duck Breast, with Monterrey Jack and Green Chile Polenta. We both chose the duck, which had a port/red wine reduction sauce, that had the slightest hint of cherry. This was probably the best duck I have had in . . . . I can't say how long. We had questioned the paring of the duck with the polents, but it really worked well. The duck was served with finely sliced fennel, deep fried crisp, and on top of everything. What a great and unexpected flavor, very delicate.
Dessert was a selection of . . . . well . . . I can' remember all of the selections, they were not printed on the menu, but recited by the server, multiple selections, but Terrell chose the Lemon Curd with a small meringue on top, toasted with a torch, served with a shortbread cookie. Very good, very tart, real lemon. I chose the chocolate strawberry mousse cake, which had no cake. Dense, rich, and excellent, but again, like the soup, not anything special, but excellent. These are things that are common dishes in restaurants, but executed to the peak of perfection.
When the bill was presented, we were also brought a small bite of lemon chocolate ganache. Lemon and chocolat are a different combination, I think it worked, but not quite sure.
The Savory Palate is something to make the time for, we were in and out in 45 minutes, and not rushed at all.
So to my esteemed critic . . . Thank you for this one!!!
Call for reservations: 801.601.4769
121 Election Road
Draper, Utah
“In our opinon, food should be sniffed lustily at table, both as a matter of precaution and as a matter of enjoyment, the sniffing of it to be regarded in the same light as the tasting of it.”E.B. White (1899-1985) American essayist
Monday, August 31, 2009
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Without going into a lot of detail, we had lunch/dinner at the Macaroni Grill in Murray on Saturday. The food was acceptable, but nothing to write home about. Expected chain restaurant food. I have eaten at the Macaroni Grill location downtown on West Temple and 300 South several times, and the food there just seemed so much better. My one big question is . . . . They try to push their house wines, a "Chianti" is one of them, but is made in California. How in the Hell can Chianti be made in California??!!! Is California a little know part of Tuscany? How is the wine allowed to be labeled as such with the TTF/BATF labling laws. It is so misleading, and disrespecful of the the DOC. Probably will not stop there again until this changes.
Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.
~ Ernest Hemingway
Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.
~ Ernest Hemingway
Louis Latour Montagny 1er Cru 2006
The other day, we were thirsty for a white Burgundy, but not ready to spend a lot of money. I decided on the 2006 Louis Latour Montagny Premier Cru, "La Grande Roche", (90 points, Robert Parker) $19.99. At first taste, I was not sure I was going to like this wine, I was in the mood for a crisp Chardonnay (that is what white Burgundy is, Chardonnay), with nice acidity. My first impression was a little round on the palate, but other components worked. As I continued to taste, it really grew on me. Yes, a little round on the palate, that is just Montagny, from the Cote Chalonnaise, but a nice floral, apple/pear, stone fruit nose that follows through on the palate. It has some nice stone/mineral components, required for a white Burgundy. It does have good acidity to back up the nice fruit, but definitely not a "fruit bomb". For an inexpensive white Burgundy, this really does hit the mark, without spending a whole lot more money. Serve this with a fruit and cheese plate (avoid the bleu), a nice main course salad, halibut or even grilled pork chops.
"Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy."
Samuel Johnson
"Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy."
Samuel Johnson
Friday, August 28, 2009
Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Chile
Sitting here sipping on the Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $11.30, Cholchaugua Valley, Chile. (88 points, Stephen Tanzer) This is one of my favorite, "I want to feel like I am drinking something a-little special" wines. Very Bordeaux like, red berry, tobacco, herbal and tangy. If you are a fan of Bordeaux, or other old world cabs, this is your wine. Made in Chile, by Lafite Rothschild. A great everyday wine, or for something special.
After-dinner talk
Across the walnuts and the wine.
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)
The Miller's Daughter, 31
After-dinner talk
Across the walnuts and the wine.
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)
The Miller's Daughter, 31
Tea Rose Diner Murray Utah
I am sitting here sipping on a bottle of Los Vascos Cabernet 2007, thinking of the dinner we had tonight at the Tea Rose Diner, 65 E 5th Avenue(4880 S), Murray. More on the wine later. We have been wanting to try this place for dinner for a long time, but it is one of those places that sit in the back of your brain when you are trying to think of places to go, but tonight it was at the top of the list.
The dinner menu is Thai based. If you are looking for a Thai restaurant that has all of the fancy trappings from Thailand, you know . . . the carvings, prints, tchotchkes, gold bling everywhere . . . . this is not the place for you. Having 8 or 9 booths and a few tables in the middle of the floor, the place is small, and is something that should be on main street in mid America, with a couple of old farmers hovering over their coffee, while sitting at the counter. Not the place you would expect to find some of the finest homemade Thai cooking in town.
The Tea Rose Diner is also a bastion for tea, itself. We ordered a pot of oolong tea, and the server promptly asked, what kind? . . . who knew. She brought over the tea list, a binder with about 6 pages of different teas, and 3 different oolongs. We chose the oolong with lotus petals. A most exquisite, elegant, light tea. The lotus brought a floral sweetness and added complexity to your run of the mill oolong.
We started with the Fried Tofu, $5.00, which was better than most, a nice outer crust, moist and juicy inside, served with a sweet/hot peanut dipping sauce. We also ordered the Tea Rose Golden Veggie, $7.00, a selection of veggies (carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli, peas, zucchini) fried in a tempura type batter, served with a sweet chili sauce. WARNING-these come out very hot, and will burn you mouth. The veggies came out and were piled high on a plate.
For the entrees, we ordered the Thai Chicken Sweet and Sour, $8.50 and the Ginger Chicken, $8.50. The sweet and sour was not your Chinese American variety. Not breaded or battered, the chicken (in both dishes) was tender. The sauce was not gloppy thick and sweet, but more of a thin, broth based sauce. This dish combined the usual suspects, but additional depth and complexity were added by chunks of fresh tomato and cucumber. When I ordered the Ginger Chicken, the server asked if I would like it a bit hotter, I replied yes, not a 3 or 4 pepper hot, but a 1 to 2 pepper hot. It arrived perfectly hot. This dish had the chicken, onion, green pepper, mushroom and baby corn, an a lot of chunks and shredded ginger. Again, a thinner, broth based sauce, not thick. The flavor combination was inspired.
About half way through our dinner, a single woman walked in and sat in the booth behind us . . . . another foodie (we are everywhere). She asked us what we were having. We had a good conversation throughout the rest of our dinner, and hers. She is married, we later found out, and eating her way through the Salt Lake Magazine restaurant section, that is what brought her to the Tea Rose. She ordered the Green Curry and said it was very good. She added to our enjoyment of our dinner. If you are reading this, Thank You!
We left with several containers of leftovers. We then wondered, why did it take us so long to eat there. It won't be long for the next time. You should not stay away either!
Tea Rose Diner
65 E 5th Avenue(4880 S)
(one block west of State Street)
Murray, Utah 84107
Phone :(801)-685-6111
Fax (801)-685-6094
www.tearosediner.net
Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Othello, II. iii. (315)
The dinner menu is Thai based. If you are looking for a Thai restaurant that has all of the fancy trappings from Thailand, you know . . . the carvings, prints, tchotchkes, gold bling everywhere . . . . this is not the place for you. Having 8 or 9 booths and a few tables in the middle of the floor, the place is small, and is something that should be on main street in mid America, with a couple of old farmers hovering over their coffee, while sitting at the counter. Not the place you would expect to find some of the finest homemade Thai cooking in town.
The Tea Rose Diner is also a bastion for tea, itself. We ordered a pot of oolong tea, and the server promptly asked, what kind? . . . who knew. She brought over the tea list, a binder with about 6 pages of different teas, and 3 different oolongs. We chose the oolong with lotus petals. A most exquisite, elegant, light tea. The lotus brought a floral sweetness and added complexity to your run of the mill oolong.
We started with the Fried Tofu, $5.00, which was better than most, a nice outer crust, moist and juicy inside, served with a sweet/hot peanut dipping sauce. We also ordered the Tea Rose Golden Veggie, $7.00, a selection of veggies (carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli, peas, zucchini) fried in a tempura type batter, served with a sweet chili sauce. WARNING-these come out very hot, and will burn you mouth. The veggies came out and were piled high on a plate.
For the entrees, we ordered the Thai Chicken Sweet and Sour, $8.50 and the Ginger Chicken, $8.50. The sweet and sour was not your Chinese American variety. Not breaded or battered, the chicken (in both dishes) was tender. The sauce was not gloppy thick and sweet, but more of a thin, broth based sauce. This dish combined the usual suspects, but additional depth and complexity were added by chunks of fresh tomato and cucumber. When I ordered the Ginger Chicken, the server asked if I would like it a bit hotter, I replied yes, not a 3 or 4 pepper hot, but a 1 to 2 pepper hot. It arrived perfectly hot. This dish had the chicken, onion, green pepper, mushroom and baby corn, an a lot of chunks and shredded ginger. Again, a thinner, broth based sauce, not thick. The flavor combination was inspired.
About half way through our dinner, a single woman walked in and sat in the booth behind us . . . . another foodie (we are everywhere). She asked us what we were having. We had a good conversation throughout the rest of our dinner, and hers. She is married, we later found out, and eating her way through the Salt Lake Magazine restaurant section, that is what brought her to the Tea Rose. She ordered the Green Curry and said it was very good. She added to our enjoyment of our dinner. If you are reading this, Thank You!
We left with several containers of leftovers. We then wondered, why did it take us so long to eat there. It won't be long for the next time. You should not stay away either!
Tea Rose Diner
65 E 5th Avenue(4880 S)
(one block west of State Street)
Murray, Utah 84107
Phone :(801)-685-6111
Fax (801)-685-6094
www.tearosediner.net
Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Othello, II. iii. (315)
Marques de Caceres Crianza 2004 Spain
I thought I should do some comparison drinking, tough job, but someone has to do it. As a comparison, I picked up a bottle of Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza 2004, $15.99, to compare with the previously mentioned Lan Rioja Reserva 2004, 16.99. You could argue that these are 2 different wines, one a Crianza, and the other a Reserva, I was looking at it more from a price point of view. If you are going to spend $16-$17, which is the better value in terms of flavor. I found the Marques de Caceres lacking in several areas. First off, in the glass it was light, fruit in the nose was unimpressive, it carried some nice components. On the palate, it followed the nose. It was thin, some notes of tobacco, earth, fruit was there, but definitely not a fruit forward wine. It was an ok wine, and, very typical of a Crianza, but I have had better at lower prices. The Lan, as previously noted, was rich, dark and full of fruit and complexity, see my previous notes. For me, it is a no brainer, for about the same money the Lan is the better value in terms of price, and quality.
For when the wine is in, the wit is out.
Thomas Becon (1512–1567)
For when the wine is in, the wit is out.
Thomas Becon (1512–1567)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
New Wine Suggestions
Previously, I mentioned the Bodegas Lan Rioja Reserva 2004, (90 points, Wine Spectator), Rioja, Spain, that we had at Cafe Madrid. The wine matched everything we ordered just fine. It is smooth, a bit of earth, a little tobacco, smoky, and vibrant. Room for some more age, but absolutely approachable now. definitely worth the $16.99 price in state stores.
An old friend and work horse has been back in the state system for a little while now, Henry's Drive Pillar Box Red 2007. (90 points, Robert Parker) Padthaway, Australia. A blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. This red always impresses me. Somehow, the Cab just wafts it's way to the forefront, after a little airing, and reminds me of a nice little Bordeaux, with a fruity, but not fruit bomb, palate. Lots of black and blue berry fruit, a touch of earth. A great value at $8.86 a bottle
Next, a fresh new wine, Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 is now here. Made by Seresin Estate in New Zealand, Momo is Maori for "offspring". This wine in the last few years has come into it's own. At $16.95, it is a classic Sauvignon Blanc from the islands. Light and citrusy, with an added hint of grapefruit and melon, not sweet, but a richness of creamy of lemon curd, the nice thing is it does not have much of the usual green tomato vine nose. (90 points, Wine Spectator).
These are all worth looking for, and all great values.
An old friend and work horse has been back in the state system for a little while now, Henry's Drive Pillar Box Red 2007. (90 points, Robert Parker) Padthaway, Australia. A blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. This red always impresses me. Somehow, the Cab just wafts it's way to the forefront, after a little airing, and reminds me of a nice little Bordeaux, with a fruity, but not fruit bomb, palate. Lots of black and blue berry fruit, a touch of earth. A great value at $8.86 a bottle
Next, a fresh new wine, Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 is now here. Made by Seresin Estate in New Zealand, Momo is Maori for "offspring". This wine in the last few years has come into it's own. At $16.95, it is a classic Sauvignon Blanc from the islands. Light and citrusy, with an added hint of grapefruit and melon, not sweet, but a richness of creamy of lemon curd, the nice thing is it does not have much of the usual green tomato vine nose. (90 points, Wine Spectator).
These are all worth looking for, and all great values.
Cafe Madrid
A few nights ago, we went to Cafe Madrid, 2080 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, for something different. Each and every time we dine there, we forget how much we enjoyed it the last time. We went to graze on some tapas, as only Cafe Madrid can. For our tapas, we took Bodegas Lan 2004 Rioja Reserva, $16.99. (More later) We sat on the patio, it started to rain, but our little table was under the eaves, so we remained quite dry, however, our waiter, Andrei, had to keep serving our orders with a menu over them to keep them dry. It was quite cozy.
We always love the calamari. It IS the best calamari in the valley, it always just has a light coating, never greasy, and they serve it with a house made aoli, although this time, it was not all that garlicky. The texture is good to the tooth, but not chewy like you usually get elsewhere.
Next, was the cold garlic soup with grapes. An odd sounding combination, but with the heat, prior to the rain, cold soup sounded good, and was it ever! We were informed that it looked creamy but there was no dairy in it. When it arrived, a different server brought it out, with a soup plate with whole grapes in the bottom and a pewter pitcher. He sat the bowl down and poured the white soup over the grapes, with instructions that there had to be a grape in each spoonful, and then bite the grape while in the mouth with the soup. What a surreal combination, the tangy, garlicky creamy soup in your mouth with a burst of sweetness from the grape. WOW! The texture of the soup appeared to be thickened with bread. This is worth going for if you have nothing else!
Next, with some trepidation from Bernie, I ordered the Sardine toasts/bruschetta. Arriving on a long narrow rectangular serving dish, they looked great. Toasted baguette slices (4) with warm (and I think fresh) sardines, covered in sauteed onions and bell peppers, garlic and a bit of tomato. Bernie's trepidation soon melted into total enjoyment, as did I. The combination of flavors was inspired. The table behind us, under the eaves, staying out of the rain commented on the sardines, (the canned ones). These are nothing like canned sardines.
Finished up with the mushrooms in white wine and garlic. Some of the best mushrooms I can remember, however, they were just way to rich to finish up the meal with. They had the requisite amount of butter, with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. But . . . just too rich to finish a meal with. Oh well, what a great meal. We passed on dessert, but for the liquid one.
Bernie had a Makers Mark, the classic whisky, and I had a 10 year old Grahams Tawny, tasty, but I don't think worthy of making a fuss about at this time.
Cafe Madrid is worth the money and the time!!
We always love the calamari. It IS the best calamari in the valley, it always just has a light coating, never greasy, and they serve it with a house made aoli, although this time, it was not all that garlicky. The texture is good to the tooth, but not chewy like you usually get elsewhere.
Next, was the cold garlic soup with grapes. An odd sounding combination, but with the heat, prior to the rain, cold soup sounded good, and was it ever! We were informed that it looked creamy but there was no dairy in it. When it arrived, a different server brought it out, with a soup plate with whole grapes in the bottom and a pewter pitcher. He sat the bowl down and poured the white soup over the grapes, with instructions that there had to be a grape in each spoonful, and then bite the grape while in the mouth with the soup. What a surreal combination, the tangy, garlicky creamy soup in your mouth with a burst of sweetness from the grape. WOW! The texture of the soup appeared to be thickened with bread. This is worth going for if you have nothing else!
Next, with some trepidation from Bernie, I ordered the Sardine toasts/bruschetta. Arriving on a long narrow rectangular serving dish, they looked great. Toasted baguette slices (4) with warm (and I think fresh) sardines, covered in sauteed onions and bell peppers, garlic and a bit of tomato. Bernie's trepidation soon melted into total enjoyment, as did I. The combination of flavors was inspired. The table behind us, under the eaves, staying out of the rain commented on the sardines, (the canned ones). These are nothing like canned sardines.
Finished up with the mushrooms in white wine and garlic. Some of the best mushrooms I can remember, however, they were just way to rich to finish up the meal with. They had the requisite amount of butter, with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. But . . . just too rich to finish a meal with. Oh well, what a great meal. We passed on dessert, but for the liquid one.
Bernie had a Makers Mark, the classic whisky, and I had a 10 year old Grahams Tawny, tasty, but I don't think worthy of making a fuss about at this time.
Cafe Madrid is worth the money and the time!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Cardwell Hill Pinot Noir 2007
I have neglected to mention the wine we had with the BB. I had brought several bottles of Cardwell Hill Pinot Noir 2007. This is a great Pinot for the price. It is $16.95 at the state wine stores, in other markets this wine runs $22-24 per bottle, but because they are a small production winery, they get a break here in Utah. Cardwell Hill is a Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot. It has nice fruit, nice acidity and structure. I like it better than the 2005, which scored an 89 in the Wine Spectator. I would put the 2007 vintage at a 90-91. This is certainly worth a try. Most pinots in this price point seem rather light and soft. This one is not.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Boeuf Bourguignon Part 2
Bernie's version of Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon turned out magnificent! The meat was as tender as can be, melt in your mouth. The flavor was very rich, and almost hinted at a BBQ sauce. We served over rice. He was given a large zucchini at work in exchange for some heirloom tomatoes that he took in, so I rough chopped it, and some onion, threw them in the pan with some bacon grease on rather high heat to get a good brown on them, then tossed in about a cup of fresh crushed/peeled tomatoes to finish. One of these days I will have to start trying the veg dishes I make. I think that is about all for now
If God forbade drinking, would He have made wine so good?
Cardinal Richeleu
If God forbade drinking, would He have made wine so good?
Cardinal Richeleu
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Boeuf Bourguignon
Well, after Bernie's inspiration at Julie and Julia, he decided that he did not have a proper pot, so off we went to Spoons & Spice, in Murray, and he bought a 5 1/2 quart Le Creuset round casserole with a lid, for about $225.00. Ouch!
While at Spoons & Spice, we decided to go to Anna's Restaurant (4700 S 900 E, Salt Lake City) and eat dinner (before preparing the BB). We have eaten there many times. It is basic family diner fare, with a bit of a Greek twist. The pricing is good, and you get a lot of food. Now, don't go there expecting haute cuisine, and don't go for the atmosphere. It is good homemade cookin'. One of the specials was a crispy chicken salad, that is what Bernie had, a huge plate of lettuce with some vegetables with crispy chicken fingers sliced on top. I had the chicken, bacon and pepper jack cheese sandwich. It ended up being a chicken breast on homemade bun, yes they bake all of their own, with bacon and cheese with some lettuce. Big sandwich, and great! The same bun that they use for the burgers. The chicken was cooked to perfection, juicy and moist. I had to bring half home for lunch.
Back to the BB. Bernie started preparing the recipe as Julia wrote it, but tried to do it all at once. I told him, having cooked from Julia in the past, you have to do everything in the order that she has listed, and everything comes out fine, and once he finally accepted that, all was good. He wanted to prepare this on his own, so I just played sous chef, and got all of his mis-en-place ready for him as we moved along. Then he realized that it had to cook in the oven for 3-4 hours, it is now just after 8:00 p.m. Soooo, we just baked it for 2 hours then turned the oven off and let it sit overnight in the oven. At 4:00 this afternoon, I warmed it up to temp, preheated the oven, and when Bernie got home, he put it in the oven to finish. It is now 5:30 and he is just finishing up the sauce. Then we are off to Terrell's with Bernie's baby.
For lunch today, I had to go see Lindy Overton, the new Food and Beverage person at Sundance Resort, so I called Terrell to see if she wanted to ride, she said sure. A nice day for a drive. I met with Lindy, Terrell wandered the grounds for awhile. We had lunch at the Foundry Grill, there at Sundance. I have always enjoyed my meals there, and this was no exception. Because we are having the BB tonight for dinner, we decided to eat rather light.
I had the appetizer portion of mac and cheese and a house salad. The mac and cheese rich and had bacon crumbled through it. The dressing on the salad was a sherry vinaigrette, and had golden raisins and walnuts, just delightful. Terrell had a grilled asparagus and portobello wrap that also had a roasted red pepper goat cheese spread, and radish sprouts, all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.
More later, off for the unveiling of Bernie's Boeuf Bourguigon at Terrell's.
Port is not for the very young, the vain and the active. It is the comfort of age and the companion of the scholar and the philosopher. -Evelyn Waugh
While at Spoons & Spice, we decided to go to Anna's Restaurant (4700 S 900 E, Salt Lake City) and eat dinner (before preparing the BB). We have eaten there many times. It is basic family diner fare, with a bit of a Greek twist. The pricing is good, and you get a lot of food. Now, don't go there expecting haute cuisine, and don't go for the atmosphere. It is good homemade cookin'. One of the specials was a crispy chicken salad, that is what Bernie had, a huge plate of lettuce with some vegetables with crispy chicken fingers sliced on top. I had the chicken, bacon and pepper jack cheese sandwich. It ended up being a chicken breast on homemade bun, yes they bake all of their own, with bacon and cheese with some lettuce. Big sandwich, and great! The same bun that they use for the burgers. The chicken was cooked to perfection, juicy and moist. I had to bring half home for lunch.
Back to the BB. Bernie started preparing the recipe as Julia wrote it, but tried to do it all at once. I told him, having cooked from Julia in the past, you have to do everything in the order that she has listed, and everything comes out fine, and once he finally accepted that, all was good. He wanted to prepare this on his own, so I just played sous chef, and got all of his mis-en-place ready for him as we moved along. Then he realized that it had to cook in the oven for 3-4 hours, it is now just after 8:00 p.m. Soooo, we just baked it for 2 hours then turned the oven off and let it sit overnight in the oven. At 4:00 this afternoon, I warmed it up to temp, preheated the oven, and when Bernie got home, he put it in the oven to finish. It is now 5:30 and he is just finishing up the sauce. Then we are off to Terrell's with Bernie's baby.
For lunch today, I had to go see Lindy Overton, the new Food and Beverage person at Sundance Resort, so I called Terrell to see if she wanted to ride, she said sure. A nice day for a drive. I met with Lindy, Terrell wandered the grounds for awhile. We had lunch at the Foundry Grill, there at Sundance. I have always enjoyed my meals there, and this was no exception. Because we are having the BB tonight for dinner, we decided to eat rather light.
I had the appetizer portion of mac and cheese and a house salad. The mac and cheese rich and had bacon crumbled through it. The dressing on the salad was a sherry vinaigrette, and had golden raisins and walnuts, just delightful. Terrell had a grilled asparagus and portobello wrap that also had a roasted red pepper goat cheese spread, and radish sprouts, all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.
More later, off for the unveiling of Bernie's Boeuf Bourguigon at Terrell's.
Port is not for the very young, the vain and the active. It is the comfort of age and the companion of the scholar and the philosopher. -Evelyn Waugh
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Hi All.
Second post, and still wondering why I am doing this. But I know it is the love of food and wine.
Tonight, had dinner at our friend Terrell's, she had a couple of small pork tenderloins on the grill. Terrell, Bill, Bernie and I were there.
Bernie and I harvested some fresh collard greens from our garden and cooked them up in good old fashioned southern style with bacon fat, ham hock and red peppers, cooked for about 3 hours and they were great!!! Especially with the pork. We also had some homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers that had to be used, so I made a salad of heirloom tomatoes, cucumber and homemade bell peppers tossed with a little olive oil, crushed garlic and a finely diced jalapeno pepper. It was great!! I had a small taste . . I do not like tomatoes!! But I love growing them. Terrell also made a great pan roasted potato with rosemary. The wine was ok, and I will not go into a lot of detail tonight, but for an inexpensive wine, Sutter Home Cabernet is not that bad.
Bernie, ABW previously mentioned in the last post, my partner, now that I have permission to use his name, was inspired by the movie Julie and Julia, and the dish that everyone rants about. So. . . . tomorrow, Bernie is going to make Julia's Beef Bourguigon, and take it to Terrell's on Tuesday for dinner. Bill will again be there as well. It should be a great dinner as usual at the McPhees's.
Yours in food and wine,
Ron
Harry Cantrell
"My only regret in life is that I didn't drink enough Champagne."
Second post, and still wondering why I am doing this. But I know it is the love of food and wine.
Tonight, had dinner at our friend Terrell's, she had a couple of small pork tenderloins on the grill. Terrell, Bill, Bernie and I were there.
Bernie and I harvested some fresh collard greens from our garden and cooked them up in good old fashioned southern style with bacon fat, ham hock and red peppers, cooked for about 3 hours and they were great!!! Especially with the pork. We also had some homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers that had to be used, so I made a salad of heirloom tomatoes, cucumber and homemade bell peppers tossed with a little olive oil, crushed garlic and a finely diced jalapeno pepper. It was great!! I had a small taste . . I do not like tomatoes!! But I love growing them. Terrell also made a great pan roasted potato with rosemary. The wine was ok, and I will not go into a lot of detail tonight, but for an inexpensive wine, Sutter Home Cabernet is not that bad.
Bernie, ABW previously mentioned in the last post, my partner, now that I have permission to use his name, was inspired by the movie Julie and Julia, and the dish that everyone rants about. So. . . . tomorrow, Bernie is going to make Julia's Beef Bourguigon, and take it to Terrell's on Tuesday for dinner. Bill will again be there as well. It should be a great dinner as usual at the McPhees's.
Yours in food and wine,
Ron
Harry Cantrell
"My only regret in life is that I didn't drink enough Champagne."
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Well, Here Goes
Hi all,
Well, here I go into the world of Cyberland. Why? I don't know . . . I have felt a need to talk about the great food and great wine in my life, as well as the not so great.
I have been wanting to do this for a long time. I just got back from seeing Julie and Julia, and was inspired to take this leap. Sure, I kind of ripped off Julie Powell's use of the word 'project', oh well. A.B.W. is going to kill me that I used "kind of" more about him in later posts.
My intention is to let you know what I am drinking, what I am eating, where I am eating ( in Utah and other points around the country), some wine hints, tips and deals, as well as maybe some recipes, food tips and, since it is my blog, there maybe some other things thrown in that I want. Hopefully you will too!
I must come clean about one thing, I am a wine broker here in the great? state of Utah. Some of the wines I may write about are wines that I represent, other will not. I won't say which are which, and my comments, good or bad, will be what I think, regardless. And the same goes for the restaurants I visit. My apologies up front if some feathers may get ruffled
I mentioned Julie and Julia up a few lines. The movie was great, and it has been a long time since I have laughed so much at a movie. Borat and Brüno type movies bore me, not funny. Meryl Streep is wonderful, Amy Adam was good as well . . . especially the melt downs. I have read "My Life In France" by Julia and her nephew, and the movie refreshingly portrayed the book nicely. I just wish there was more of the time in France. The critics somewhat panned the Julie part of the movie, but I thought it worked just fine, and did not detract from the Julia storyline. There could have been 2 complete movies made. Meryl is in line for another Golden Globe, and Oscar nomination. The critics did not get it. . . to really enjoy this movie, you have to be a serious foodie, feel like Julia Child is your long lost friend, and have cooked out of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". That is what got the book published in the first place, Judith Jones went home and cooked several recipes from the manuscript and found them wonderful (the movie only shows the beef bourguignon prepared by Judith)
Well, enough rambling for tonight. I hope you come back soon.
Wino Forever
Johnny Depp(The tattoo once read 'Winona Forever'!)
Well, here I go into the world of Cyberland. Why? I don't know . . . I have felt a need to talk about the great food and great wine in my life, as well as the not so great.
I have been wanting to do this for a long time. I just got back from seeing Julie and Julia, and was inspired to take this leap. Sure, I kind of ripped off Julie Powell's use of the word 'project', oh well. A.B.W. is going to kill me that I used "kind of" more about him in later posts.
My intention is to let you know what I am drinking, what I am eating, where I am eating ( in Utah and other points around the country), some wine hints, tips and deals, as well as maybe some recipes, food tips and, since it is my blog, there maybe some other things thrown in that I want. Hopefully you will too!
I must come clean about one thing, I am a wine broker here in the great? state of Utah. Some of the wines I may write about are wines that I represent, other will not. I won't say which are which, and my comments, good or bad, will be what I think, regardless. And the same goes for the restaurants I visit. My apologies up front if some feathers may get ruffled
I mentioned Julie and Julia up a few lines. The movie was great, and it has been a long time since I have laughed so much at a movie. Borat and Brüno type movies bore me, not funny. Meryl Streep is wonderful, Amy Adam was good as well . . . especially the melt downs. I have read "My Life In France" by Julia and her nephew, and the movie refreshingly portrayed the book nicely. I just wish there was more of the time in France. The critics somewhat panned the Julie part of the movie, but I thought it worked just fine, and did not detract from the Julia storyline. There could have been 2 complete movies made. Meryl is in line for another Golden Globe, and Oscar nomination. The critics did not get it. . . to really enjoy this movie, you have to be a serious foodie, feel like Julia Child is your long lost friend, and have cooked out of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". That is what got the book published in the first place, Judith Jones went home and cooked several recipes from the manuscript and found them wonderful (the movie only shows the beef bourguignon prepared by Judith)
Well, enough rambling for tonight. I hope you come back soon.
Wino Forever
Johnny Depp(The tattoo once read 'Winona Forever'!)
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